Thanksgiving

^3 (A)We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers,^[a] as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

¹⁸ But ^(A)grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. ^(B)To him be the glory both now and to the day of ^(C)eternity. Amen.

⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith ^(A)with virtue,^[a] and virtue ^(B)with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control ^(C)with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness ^(D)with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection ^(E)with love. ⁸ For if these qualities^[b] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or ^(F)unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he ^(G)is blind, having forgotten that he was ^(H)cleansed from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brothers,^[c] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and ^(I)election, for if you practice these qualities ^(J)you will never fall.

Stand Firm

¹³ But ^(A)we ought always to give thanks to God for you, ^(B)brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you ^(C)as the firstfruits^{[a] (D)}to be saved, ^(E)through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.

A Life Pleasing to God

4 Finally, then, brothers,^[a] we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you ^(A)received from us ^(B)how you ought to walk and ^(C)to please God, just as you are doing, that you ^(D)do so more and more.

⁹ Now concerning ^(A)brotherly love ^(B)you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been ^(C)taught by God ^(D)to love one another, ¹⁰ for that indeed is what ^(E)you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to ^(F)do this more and more,

⁹ And it is my prayer that ^(A)your love may abound more and more, ^(B)with knowledge and all discernment,